IT all fell into place for Chris Holder at the Torun MotoArena on Saturday and, in the interests of speedway, it was a good thing it did.

Had Nicki Pedersen overhauled the young Sydneysider in the race for the world crown, it would have been a victory for dirty tricks. A triumph for a man who has spent the majority of his career rubbing people up the wrong way.

Yes, he is box office, but Holder showed spirit, gritty determination and pure riding talent throughout the series – he also showed he could mix it with the king of the mind games and come out on top. Few have accomplished that.

Pedersen, of course, would argue that three world titles proved his talent on a speedway bike, but those who have been on the wrong end of the Dane’s aggressive racing style down the years could have been forgiven a wry smile as Holder crossed the line in the re-run of the second semi-final in Poland.

Holder’s success was also one in the eye for his doubters – this correspondent included.

Having visited the racer at his Bearwood home just days after the opening GP round in New Zealand, I saw a man who looked beaten. He talked about his four points in Auckland behind a pulled-down beanie hat, seemingly writing off the 2012 series after just one appearance.

He had become a father only days before – enough emotion to mess with the mind of even the most hardened sportsman.

But he had no chance of winning the title. Not a hope.

How wrong we all were.

He has grown, both as a rider and an individual over the past eight months, and those who are already doubting his ability to remain at the summit of world speedway should put down their pens.

The real Chris Holder just stood up.